Lincoln and Rivian Mutually Decide Not to Pursue Development of Fully Electric Vehicle

hybrid2bev

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Given the rapidly changing environment and after a review of product plans, Lincoln and Rivian have decided not to pursue the development of a Lincoln’s fully-electric vehicle based on Rivian’s skateboard platform.

The company’s commitment to Lincoln, Rivian and electrification remains unchanged, and Lincoln’s future plans will include an all-electric vehicle consistent with the brand’s Quiet Flight DNA.

For more information, see the questions and answers below.

Is this decision due to COVID-19?
We continue to review and adjust our business and product plans – as all prudent businesses do. As we moved through the development cycle, we determined that it would be better to pivot from the Rivian skateboard platform and focus our development efforts on Lincoln’s own fully-electric vehicle.

Does this mean that other Ford programs have been cancelled?
No. As we moved through the development cycle, and given the current environment, we determined that it would be better to focus our development efforts on Lincoln’s own fully electric vehicle.

Does Lincoln still plan to introduce fully electric vehicles into the lineup?
Yes. Lincoln’s future product plans include a distinct fully electric vehicle that is consistent with Lincoln’s Quiet Flight DNA.

When will you share more about the Lincoln’s BEV plans? What is the timing?
We look forward to sharing more details about Lincoln’s fully electric vehicle in the future.

Is Lincoln late to the game with electrification?
There never has been a better time to grow Lincoln’s electrified vehicle portfolio. In addition to the Aviator Grand Touring, we also will be launching the Corsair Grand Touring later this year.

Does Lincoln still plan to end production of the MKZ?
Yes. While the MKZ has been an amazing product for Lincoln and its customers over the years, we have been watching the premium midsize sedan segment closely and given the declining segment, we made the decision to end production of the Lincoln MKZ. As consumers shift to SUVs, we feel focusing on our new lineup of SUVs for our customers is best.

Will Ford continue to work with Rivian on a vehicle as part of the original equity investment?
Our partnership with Rivian is strong and while the Lincoln electric vehicle did not turn out to be the right opportunity, we continue to work closely with Rivian to assess the right opportunities to work together, including the development of a vehicle based on Rivian’s platform. There is also a lot we can learn from Rivian and the clean sheet approach they are taking to electric vehicles.
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timbop

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interesting, thanks for sharing
 

dbsb3233

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Could interpret that a few ways. The positive way is that they feel like they've grown confident in their own ability to develop BEV platforms and don't need to dilute profits by splitting with Rivian.

If that's the case, gotta think the Mach-e is the main reason why. And that they're quite happy with what they've come up with on their own.
 

timbop

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Could interpret that a few ways. The positive way is that they feel like they've grown confident in their own ability to develop BEV platforms and don't need to dilute profits by splitting with Rivian.

If that's the case, gotta think the Mach-e is the main reason why. And that they're quite happy with what they've come up with on their own.
I've decided that this IS the case :)
 

Billyk24

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Could it also be due to limited funds available to spend on another product?
 


dbsb3233

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Could it also be due to limited funds available to spend on another product?
Yeah, that was one of the less positive reasons I could think of. And/or they think consumer demand will stay soft now for years because of all this virus mess.

Probably gonna be a lot of belt-tightening for some time, by both manufacturers and customers.
 
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hybrid2bev

hybrid2bev

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Bill Ford Jr's daughter Alexandra Ford English to Join Rivian’s Board of Directors

DEARBORN, Mich., May 1, 2020 – Rivian and Ford Motor Company today announced that Alexandra Ford English will join Rivian’s board of directors effective immediately. English is director of Corporate Strategy for Ford Motor Company, responsible for the company’s enterprise strategy and connectivity and digital network strategy.

“Alexandra and I share a deep passion for mobility and electrification, and her connection to Ford’s long family role in transportation is something special. I am looking forward to working closely with her and the perspective that she will bring to the Board,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO.

Ford made an initial equity investment of $500 million in Rivian in April 2019, and an additional equity investment in December 2019. In addition to these investments, Ford plans to develop a new vehicle using Rivian’s flexible skateboard platform. The vehicle with Rivian is in addition to Ford’s plan to develop a portfolio of battery electric vehicles as part of Ford’s previously announced $11 billion of EV investments.

“Our strategic partnership with Rivian plays an important role in the future of fully networked battery electric vehicles,” said Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO. “With Alexandra’s experience in mobility and self-driving services, she will bring a unique perspective to Rivian’s board during this transformational time in our industry.”

English joined Ford Motor Company in 2017. Prior to joining the corporate strategy team, she was a member of the Ford Autonomous Vehicle LLC team and a member of the City Solutions team. Before joining Ford, she was responsible for managing profit and loss operations for customer-centric businesses in the merchandising divisions of Tory Burch in New York and Gap Inc. in San Francisco.

English holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree from Harvard Business School.


https://media.ford.com/content/ford...glish-to-join-rivians-board-of-directors.html

Ford Mustang Mach-E Lincoln and Rivian Mutually Decide Not to Pursue Development of Fully Electric Vehicle 1588344797209
 
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Billyk24

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Ford doesn't have free money for another vehicle platform.
 

dbsb3233

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Ford doesn't have free money for another vehicle platform.
And even if they did, automakers are forced into contraction mode right now, not expansion.
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